Stop Smoking Support Thread
Comments
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Malleme, Pantufas and Janzin: Well said! None of us a perfect and we all struggle in our own way. This is a safe place to come for support, encouragement and talk about our successes and failures with no judgment. I have 6 months on Nov 6th and this thread was a big help...
Sue-61 I am so sorry you feel that this thread is a joke - what works for some people may not work for others.
Bsain Welcome! I hope you are doing well!
Lots of Hugs and Love to all my BCBF and BCBK Friends!
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Well said Janzin. As always. Well, I have had a rough week because I know that I am going for my 18 month gamma ray mammogram on Thursday. Will the worry ever go away? All my ears want to hear is that I am still "all clear" but I am like a beaten puppy when it comes to these tests, I just flinch at the thought of bad news. I think I need some Valium....heehee....I think I need to sleep too! Has anyone had the gamma ray? I guess it is much clearer than the normal, and they get a 3-d photo that they can read live on the spot. I know the technology is new, because we only have one doctor in all of SW Florida that does this test. It took me 5 months to get my appointment!
I hope all you are doing well. My best of luck to the new-combers! You are all doing great.
Love!
Ellie
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HI Ladies- I'M BAAACCKK! Well sorta. My Mom had been staying with me for the last week. We are moving her out of her place on Nov 21. 22 so I will remain busy until then but wanted to check in. This has been a VERY tough time for my family..ESP my Mom so life has taken me away from here alot. I miss you all!
SOOO...how are the new roomies doing? I am thinking about you guys so much today. I think it's so great you met at this site and are now living together. Should be a great thing for both of you! I'm so anxious to hear all about your antics!
Congrats to all of you who have managed to quit. I haven't, but then, I haven't tried again. I did promise my Dad before he passed that I would and I WILL honor that. But I think what's best for me is to get a few days under my belt before I post about it here. No more blabbing about dates and then not sticking to it. Maybe this way, I won't set myself up for failure.
I love you sisters and even if I don't post much, I do read the boards pretty often. DO NOT think you will ever get rid of me.
Who else wants to join Ellie and me on a trip to Colorado sometime?
Until later my friends....
xoEllen
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Wow Malleme, never thought much about my writing, always thought I was horrible. It took some thought as my first reaction was full of anger and sadness as I never knew she felt that way. I believe it takes all kinds of people to make a whole, and we all grow from different reactions whether it's soft or hard, etc. I remember in philosophy class, that the philosophers took the biggest jump a head when all these different cultures came together. Makes sense to me. I think everyone's opinion has made an impact even if it is not felt till years later. You are awesome!!
O2Bhealthy, thanks for stopping in and for your support and congrats on your days. You have been strong and went through a lot of the BC process smoke free. Also want to thanks you hubby as he has been so supportive of you. Every bit of support helps!!!! I know life has gotten really busy and I really miss you. Vegas for BCBF or BCBK. For newbies that means Breast Cancer Butt Fondlers as some of us are still trying to quit, and BCBK stands for Breast Cancer Butt Kickers as some of has made it. I will be a BCBK one day soon! Also, would love to see you all here in Denver, maybe take a trip to one of the beautiful towns here such as Vail or Aspen. XOXOXOX
FIfish, I don't think you are beaten puppy, you have had so much strength and to be able to see the humor in things is a strong thing to do. I haven't heard about the gamma ray but I don't get out much either. Good luck with the new procedure! I had the new hip replacement and I am grateful for that newer procedure. Valium, mango rum drinks and some BAHAHAHAH's is what you need. Will post a card up for all of you soon to help cheer you all up.
REKOZ!!!!!!! SO GLAD YOU ARE BACK!!!!!! MISSED YOU! Roomies are doing great! Having a great time getting adjusted and already planning our quit date. She will see how really wacky I am, lol. Can't wait to get out and do some exploring and this is the first time in years that I have wanted to celebrate holidays. I have love back in my life and I am also helping a 19 year girl who has had a rotten set of cards in her life. Nancy is already feeling motherly to her so together I hope we can give some good to her and help her move on.
I hear you on the date, but I know your time will come. Just have to get your ducks in a row. I know how much you loved your father and I am sending out love your way. You have had so much happen so some things take time to heal. Looking forward to you and Ellie coming up and I will hunt you down if you stop posting!!!!!!! There have been times when quitting and posting at the same time was hard as I did not want to even think about cigs, got your back sis! XOXOXO
Pantufas, so happy you are here. I don't think you realize how much I needed you. The last 2 years have been horrible with the divorce, multiple surgeries and then BC. All of you here has made a huge difference in my life! I think I would of been in a really rotten place without you all as the last 2 years have been one of the most painful time of my life. I want you to be comfy and relax here. Much love to you, can't wait to start my jokes!!!
Cleo and Candie, thanks for everything and even though we do not see you two often, we are happy when you stop by for a quickie and let us know how many days you got in. Congrats on your quit smoking days!Denise, miss ya girl and Nobleanna, sending you much love too.
Will reach out later as I think I have wrote a book, sorry.
Hugs,
Janet0 -
Nadine, congrats on your days, that is huge with everything going on in your life. You have had such a rough ride. You are awesome too.
MB, Butterfly, and there are more I could list but haven't seen you in a while. Let us know how you are doing. Missed a lot of you and I always wonder if you are okay.
Have a good night,
Janet
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Hi dear fiends,
Janet certainly put it better than I did with her post to Sue but what can I do when Pat gets fired up? My apologies to the newibies. I am not normally a hateful person but I am very protective of the gals here. Sorry I haven't given you a proper welcome.
Hi Ellen. You are doing well to post considering what you are going through emotionally. It takes a long time to get over the loss of your parent. Actually, you never get over it but the passing of time makes it more bearable. My hardest times are the holidays and here they are coming up. Janet gave me a little bush for my bedroom and it is sitting here behind the pc where I can see it all of the time. It is special not only because she gave to me but because it is the exact thing that I gave dad his last Christmas in the VA hospital. I feel that he is here with me and through Janet, he has let me know it. It has been 16 years since we lost him and now, even though tears well, I have a smile on my face when I think of him. A time will come when your thoughts of your father are comforting. I hope your mum adjusts to her move. You are a wonderful daughter!
flfish, I am thinking of you as well, knowing that you lost your dear mum to bc. The terror for you must be unspeakable but take heart. I was properly diagnosed with a BSGI and the only painful thing is the beesting when they shoot the tracing agent into the top of your foot. It spreads throughout your entire body and converges in the cancerous cells (if any). You are right. You will have instant results that you can see for yourself. It is very recent technology and one of the best diagnostic tools for finding cancer, especially if you have dense breasts, implants, scarring etc. I will be praying that you will have no black areas and all of your dots are gray. I am also praying that you and Irene will be coming to Denver along with anyone else who is brave. No, just kidding! We are having a wonderful time bonding. ZinZin is so easy to live with and has an aura of peace and calm. Very theraputic. Then when we are though being Zenful we can go raid Wal-Mart! Can you imagine all of us together? Simply SPLENDIFEROUS!!!
o2b, so glad to hear you are doing great with your non smoking. malle, love it when you post, nobleanna, thinking of you, 2new, missing you and mb. If I have missed you, you have my permission to come kick my a@@ in Denver but you just have to give me a head start first.
Love to all!
Nancy
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Hi dear fiends,
Janet certainly put it better than I did with her post to Sue but what can I do when Pat gets fired up? My apologies to the newibies. I am not normally a hateful person but I am very protective of the gals here. Sorry I haven't given you a proper welcome.
Hi Ellen. You are doing well to post considering what you are going through emotionally. It takes a long time to get over the loss of your parent. Actually, you never get over it but the passing of time makes it more bearable. My hardest times are the holidays and here they are coming up. Janet gave me a little bush for my bedroom and it is sitting here behind the pc where I can see it all of the time. It is special not only because she gave to me but because it is the exact thing that I gave dad his last Christmas in the VA hospital. I feel that he is here with me and through Janet, he has let me know it. It has been 16 years since we lost him and now, even though tears well, I have a smile on my face when I think of him. A time will come when your thoughts of your father are comforting. I hope your mum adjusts to her move. You are a wonderful daughter!
flfish, I am thinking of you as well, knowing that you lost your dear mum to bc. The terror for you must be unspeakable but take heart. I was properly diagnosed with a BSGI and the only painful thing is the beesting when they shoot the tracing agent into the top of your foot. It spreads throughout your entire body and converges in the cancerous cells (if any). You are right. You will have instant results that you can see for yourself. It is very recent technology and one of the best diagnostic tools for finding cancer, especially if you have dense breasts, implants, scarring etc. I will be praying that you will have no black areas and all of your dots are gray. I am also praying that you and Irene will be coming to Denver along with anyone else who is brave. No, just kidding! We are having a wonderful time bonding. ZinZin is so easy to live with and has an aura of peace and calm. Very theraputic. Then when we are though being Zenful we can go raid Wal-Mart! Can you imagine all of us together? Simply SPLENDIFEROUS!!!
o2b, so glad to hear you are doing great with your non smoking. malle, love it when you post, nobleanna, thinking of you, 2new, missing you and mb. If I have missed you, you have my permission to come kick my a@@ in Denver but you just have to give me a head start first.
Love to all!
Nancy
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I didn't think once was enough so I had to post it twice! Rats! How embarrassing!!
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Everyone - Wow! So much has gone on since I last was here. Very exciting with a facinating mix of comments. Some sad notes and concerns that I'll private message to individuals. Feels like too much to catch up on and chemo brain definitely making it just a little to challenging right now to reply indiviudally to each post. Sorry about that. I do have to say that our group is so wonderfully supportive and very, very loving and accepting.
Newbies - you've come upon a very special group and you'll love the humor and support that you can receive here.
My Update - I've been out again and offline for quite awhile due to increasingly difficult SE's. Janet, you got it right. Basically sleeping round the clock for the past several weeks or in bed with exhaustion (more than simple fatigue) and increased pain from peripheral neuropathy in hands and feet (lots of numbness and weirdly stabbing pain in my feet when I stand/walk). Would like your suggestions for quitting or reducing smoking so I'll need to share what's been going on with me medically..... Yesterday's chemo was cancelled (1st one cancelled ever) due to negative lab results indicating possible damage to my liver. Onc cancelled the paclitaxel (Taxol) treatment for the day and made changes to my accessory meds and went through entire list of meds (including OTC's and supplements) and removed multi-vit, calcium+D, all OTC's except lower than manufacturer's minimum dosage for Extra Strength Tylenol, Immodium, and restricted use of Prilosec. Will need to check with onc before taking any other OTC for anything that comes up like say a minor cold and report all new symptom or changes to existing symptoms. New labs will be run on Tues., Nov. 10th unless some new symptom thing comes up and requires lab sooner. SE's (some new, some recurring) in addition to the increased peripheral neuropathy (new fingertip numbness is making buttons a challenge, increased loss of handgrip strength making my handwriting deteriorate) are oral yeast infection, low blood pressure (causing dizziness), persistant pain in my thigh in the area of the major artery resulted in Venous and Arterial Ultrasounds (negative for blood clot or tumor), and labs are low white and red blood cell counts, low hemoglobin, high glucose, and bordline low BUN and creatinine. So, unfortunately the added stress had caused me to slowly slip back into...... Oh yes, SMOKING again. With my whacked out labs the onc does not want me to add anything to the chemical mix right now so nicotine gums and patches are out as options to quit and onc is really encouraging me to reduce # of cigs per day to help accelerate the healing process - better oxygen supply and less additional toxin in my body. I've previously gone the accupuncture, visualization, hypnosis, and psychiatrist routes. Any other suggestions? Your help would be greatly appreciated!!! My previously slightly successful method of at least reducing # of cigs was to do crafts that involved my hands or exercising (eliptical and swimming) but those are not really options now with the SE's.
My love to you all and appreciation for all the love and support I've always been so fortunate to receive. Wishing you all wellness!!!
DeniseM
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Denise, thanks for the update, I know you feel rotten, but we appreciate you keeping us informed on how you are doing. That stinks the SE's are so bad. Take one day at a time. Suggestions? Well, I think the little dum dum suckers help me to keep my hands and mouth occupied. Licorice doesn't stink either!
Thanks Nancy for all the info on the BSGI. It really helped me and I got ALL GRAY DOTS! All clear and I don't need another one for 6 months. SWEET! Now I can sleep again. What would I do without you ladies? I love you all so much!
Ellie
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Hi fishbucket! I am thrilled to hear your good news!! It is a victory for all of us!!
Love you bunches!!!
Nancy
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Denise Oh I am so sorry your having such bad SE's has your onoc thought of changing to taxotere instead of taxol? Sounds like your just not bouncing back at all. Are you eating your fruits and veggie's or chicken soup? I'll have to check around and see who else is having this bad of time and maybe they can share some tips with you. Amazing how cigs seem to be the one thing we hold on to with all our energy. I'll be sending good vibes and prayers you way....
Malle
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Denise now I know why your symptoms seem familiar. I have spend the last 10 days trying to wish my mother to stay alive. She had symptoms like yours kneee, leg pain, dizziness, nausea, short term memory issues etc. The found out yesterday after she was complete knocking at deaths door. The heartburn , heart, osteoporisis, pain pills, were depleting her entire body of necessary sodium causing her body to not be able to function. Sounds simple but it took about 20 different specialty drs to figure out the meds were causing her to not function at all. Like I never knew antidepressant, water pills, and prilosec all deplete you body of salt and potassium, causing disorientation, leg cramps to think you have a blood clot, stiffness etc. Just a thought you might ask. with all that than the sugar in the system goes crazy making matters 10 times worst.
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Denise - I am so sorry to hear you are having such severe side effects...Hopefully the SE's will decrease with the changes in med's both rx'd and otc. Please keep posting so we know how you are doing.
ffish - I am THRILLED you had all grey dots...That is such awesome news!!! Isn't it terrific that you get the results instantly rather than having to wait for a week to know for sure! I googled and found a facility about an hour away that does BSGI and will ask my Onc about it on my next appointment as an alternative to mammo/mri.
Malleme - I am sorry to hear about your mom. Do the Doc's think that they can reverse the SE's with a change in medications? I'll be praying for her and her doctors as decisions are made in tx options now that a dx has been made.
Janet and Pantafus - howz the new roomies doing? It's awesome that you can be support for each other!
For those of you who are on FB...you already know my news but for those who aren't on FB...I had an appt on Monday with RADS doc...she is suggesting rads for 6 wks "because I am young and I would tolerate it well" and 'just in case' because I had a thin surface margin. I felt like the rug was pulled out from under my feet! I have my exchange surgery in week!!! From the very beginning I asked my ONC and BS if rads were in my future...both kept saying I was in the 'grey' area and they were unsure, but the way they said it indicated they did not think so. Any hidyho...DH and I prayed and talked it over and I have decided NOT to do the radiation. I don't think the benefits out weigh the risks. I am not mentally, emotionally or physically prepared to 'take on' radiation. I know there are no guaranties in life & I just want to get back to living it. So that's my story and I am sticking too it!
Hugs and Love to all!
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Oh malle, I am so sorry to hear of your mum's bad reactions. You too Denise. We never know when the drugs we take to make our life better might actually take it from us. I hope your onc is on top of things Denise and I am glad they finally figured out what the problem is with your mum, malle. I know you have all heard my story so many times but reading about your problems just bring it back home to me. You have my prayers!
o2b, so glad your heart is free with the decision you made. Your husband is a hoot! He loves you so much!
Hey Nads! I hope you are doing better every day. Pneumonia leaves us with a tough row to hoe especially when we are in a weakend state. So glad you are improving.
ZinZin is taking me for a night on the town tomorrow. It's been so many years since I've done that I'll probably fart! I feel so good here. I think it is where I needed to come to heal both mentally and physically. I can't say enough good things about Zin. She is incredible!
flfish, our own fishbucket! I am so happy about your BSGI results. Oh happy day! Celebrate our dear one!
Well, I must be off and take my meds before I turn into a werewolf. My love to all of you!
Nancy
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Thanks for all the well wishers. Michelle, I am happy you made your decision. It is the RIGHT one because it is the one for YOU!
Pantufas, have fun on the town, try not to fart.....BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Malle--I am sorry to hear about your mom. She is lucky to have you there for her.
Denise, I hope you find some relief soon.
10 hours until the weekend!!!!!
Yippee!
Ellie
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Reading the posts I am concerned because it seems the real reason for this forum was supporting each other on quitting smoking. Looking back at the postings it seems there were some serious attacks made to a few. I feel the main thing is we need to remember that all of us are on the BC org forums is because of our breast cancer which brought us here in the first place. It is okay not to agree with everyone who may post here. We all have our own feelings and opinions on things, and I feel we should respect others thoughts and feelings. We need to welcome newbies as well as others who have not posted in sometime. I am sure none of us would have came to Breast Cancer.org just for the fun of it, if we had not had BC. We need to respect others thoughts and feelings. Some may have other things going on such as recurrences and or a wild variety of other life's problems. We belong to a sisterhood that none of us asked to join...however in turn we need to give love and support to everyone.
This is my opinion and its fine to disagree with it...thats our given right. However I respect others thoughts and feelings and hope we can pull this forum back to what it originally was intended for. That old saying is if its not broke then why fix it. I personally feel we need to bring it back to its original state.
Luv to everyone,
Nadine
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Snowbird wrote:
[Hey there. Just stopping by to give you all some encouragement from a former smoker to let you know that you CAN do it. I did, and although it took some work and some physical and mental gymnastics, you can do it too. FWIW, here are some tips that helped me kick the habit 15 years ago now...
1: Focus on ridding your body of nicotine. Realize that the cravings you'll feel are your body's reaction to the drop in nicotine and, while they can be intense at first, they DO pass and they DO become less intense over time. Once the nicotine is out of your body (3-7 days??? can't remember now), cravings become less frequent and less intense until, gradually, they go away completely.
2. Mentally separate your mind from your body. Let your mind become the "parent", and your body the "child" that must be told "no, you can't have that, even though I know you really really want it and will throw a temper tantrum to try to get it." Then, let your mind wait out your body's "temper tantrum" and, like a child, your body will eventually realize it's not going to get what it wants and will quit throwing those "tantrums"... It worked for me, anyway!
3. SLOW DEEP BREATHING! It truly works both mentailly and physically to get through a "craving".
4. EXERCISE! It too really helped, both mentally and physically. At times you may feel like your heart rate is high (cravings? anxiety?) and I found that by exercising up to the level I felt my heart rate was at already helped "match" my level of activity to what I was "feeling", and then was able to bring BOTH back down gradually and together. (I was lucky to have a health club/treadmill in my office building).
5. THINK and ACT like a non-smoker. Hang around with non-smokers. Ask for the "non-smoking" section in restaurants (where they still have them). It may sound cruel, but ditch your still smoking friends, at least for a while until you get through and feel you can manage.
6. Don't get discouraged if you fall off the wagon. Most everyone does, but just remember that if you do, it doesn't mean you've become a "smoker" again (unless you want to be, of course).
7. Eventually, I PROMISE, you'll get to a place where you'll feel better, breathe better, smell better (to others, that is!) and won't be tempted to smoke again because the taste does become quite "distasteful". (Yeah, I've had a couple in weak moments (my SIL still smokes), but they've each been really nasty!)
You're doing a good thing for yourself and those around you, those who care for you, and those who'd like to be around you but can't. Hang in there. Carry on. Don't give up. It's worth it! Good luck all.]
Hi Everyone,
I really liked this post (page 1 of our thread), and wanted to post it again. I would like to discuss how I relate to it a bit later.
((Hugs))
Still smoking, still really want to quit....
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Thanks Cleo for that reminder. Snowbird had some very good tips. I am still smoking and I realize that I can't keep doing this to my lung. I am going to have to make that real effort to quit. I know that I don't want to be a smoker. I also know that as long as I have cigarettes, then I will smoke. I have to stop buying them. Wish me luck as I am about to go cold turkey. I have less than a pack and a half left. With each one I smoke I am going to say to myself, there's one down, 25 more to go. I have to have a mind set that it is a chore to smoke them and I will be relieved when they are gone. Well, there's that. Let's see how I do.
Fishbucket! I have to tell you that I didn't fart. The place we went to was nice and the people were very friendly. But I found myself trying to find a corner where I could hide. Of course Janet found me and took me outside and yes we smoked but I met a woman whose sister has ovarian cancer. The doctor dropped the ball on her and let her go three years with no treatment. Now she is a stage lV. My grandmother died of ovarian cancer but I didn't tell her that. I could see she was in so much pain just talking about her sister. I am praying for her.
We walked down this street in downtown that was nothing but art galleries. It was cool but I couldn't go into some because I am allergic to linseed oil. I enjoyed just watching the eclectic mass of humanity milling around. Variety is the spice of life and there is plenty of that in Denver. We had met a friend of Janet's and we went to a Mexican restaurant. I love Mexican food. They must have been throwing a few spices around in there because Janet had a hot flash and her friend Debbie's whole face turned red and her eyes were watering. Dang! Where did that pitcher of Margaritas go? We were good girls and were home by 10:00. That was plenty for me for my first night out in a hundred years and I was glad Janet took a long needed break from work! So we are home safe and both busy on the pc's.
Have a good night everyone and I hope tomorrow is good to you!
Nancy
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Great tips Cleo, thanks so much for those. Some I have tried, but others are new, so I will have to try those. We smokers appreciate you taking the time to help us.
Pantufas, I am so glad you had a good time. There is nothing wrong with being home by 10:00, that just means you are fresh the next day. I love looking at the galleries too. We have beautiful art galleries down here, but I rarely go in because they are so much out of my budget. Enjoy the wild, wild west.....and even wilder since you moved to town!
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Nancy I am so glad you are settling into your new home. I think that is so amazing that you and Janet are now living together
Sending you good luck and support in quitting cold turkey. Ellie WOO HOO!! for the all clear. Michelle I am glad you decided a treatment that you are comfortable with. Rads is no easy road and the decision making process is hard. Nadine I am glad that you are feeling better.Denise great big (((HUGS))). I wish I could make your SE's go away 
Luv to u all
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Hi All-
I have to agree with Nadine on bringing the thread back to it's original purpose. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE all of the feelings expressed and the wonderful friendships that we have developed here. I mean...what could be more evident of that result than Nancy and Janet now being roomies??
My concern is that there may be a lot of ladies like we were when the thread began, looking for any and every bit of advice and support to keep on going once they have put down the smokes. Then when they click on this thread, they find a group who has definitely connected but not totally in the realm of how it was intended. I think then that it seems exclusionary to them...as it feels for me sometimes when I go to a thread I may want to participate in but end up not doing so because it has become comprised of the same people who know each other quite well.I feel like it would be hard to 'break in." And you have to admit, it is mostly the gals who have succeeded that pop in every once in awhile with some great advice. Honestly, one of the reasons I don't post here much is that I haven't yet stopped so I surely can't be helpful to someone who comes here looking for help. Most of my "sociaolizing" is through Facebook but I definitely intend on using this thread when I do give up smoking in the VERY near future. Like I said, I will pop in here for advice AFTER I have gotten through some non smoking days.
I do hope I haven't offended anyone. After all, it is this group that I feel closest to and I have no intention of disappearing from your lives! But I do believe that in order to be of the most service to those that come to this thread, it should be primarily about coping with life without those gd butts!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend...Love to you all!
xoEllen
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I know so many threads create a small community of friends who become dear to each other. I think we as a group do a fine job mixing in the connecting and discussing quitting smoking. I like it the way it is and do not intend on changing the way I use this thread
I can relate Ellen to wanting to wait until you have quit. I on the other hand need to come here to discuss why I have difficulty quitting and I follow the thread for sisterhood as well.((Hugs))
Cleo
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Hey Cleo-
I agree with you and see no reason why you or anyone shouldn't continue to use the thread in whatever way works for you. It's not like I won't post if it doesn't have to do with quitting...and on that you can count on!
I just want to optimize the purpose of the thread and also enable others who are dealing with this issue to feel that can join in and benefit! Thanks to for copying that post...it is full of good stuff!
xoEllen
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WebWriter who started this thread wrote:
[Some of us will, some of us won't, but it's an ugly beast to try to tackle alone. I think I'd rather have cancer than quit. Sadly, I can't quit cancer. Dunno if I can quit smoking or not...]
Dunno if I can quit either, but coming here everyday and seeing all the love and hard work all you women do to try to quit, keeps me focused on the quitting aspect. This is not a abstinence only thread like AA/NA. This is a thread for all of us wherever we may be with smoking...Just my opinion of course.
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And this is a place where all opinions are respected.
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What do u all think of this? I think it is a great idea.
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Hi Ladies,
Reading the current postings in reference to what I posted yesterday...In all of the forums that I am an active member with or those that I now drop in from time to time...I have this to say...I have developed friendships that are very deep. With those friends we write emails, call each other and also do facebook. We are connecting in our private lives in other ways. However as we all know we still need to connect on here with smoking or what ever the topic is for each forum. I can not say quitting smoking was easy for me and continues each day to be a battle I fight. But the doctor gave me the plain words on why I needed to quit. Yup doctors over the years all told me the same thing, quit. But when my cancer doctor tells me his reasons that I need to quit, my attention was got. Most would have thought that since my father died of lung cancer and mom died from cancer...however early on a 1/3 of her lung had to be removed due to lung cancer my attention would have been got then. Or the fact that nearly every member of my family has died of cancer and near all also had lung cancer. I am the only one who has to date had the luck to have BC. With my experiences of treatments and such I am not wanting to go down that road anytime soon. Which now brings me to a growth on my neck. I have known it was there for about a year and told no one. It was found recently...so here we go again with tests and biopsies. Anyway the jest of all of this is why I choose to not smoke. For me smoking is like booze is to an alcoholic...I just have to daily fight the urges.
So my dear friends, I truly hope we can be more on the supportive side. I also truly hope that everyone who continues to battle quitting can find a way to quit that works for them. Its not a bit easy but I know if I can fight those battles anyone can.
Love you all,
Nadine
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Nadine,
Congrats on your quit days and for getting right back to it after Denver
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Hi Ladies, been pretty busy. Nancy and I have been doing well, it is so nice to have her in my life! I know how much we care about each other but funny how the actual presentation makes a big difference to my lonely existence. I walk around singing and the happiest I have been in a long time. I wish we could all be together!
Pantufas, my meds hasn't hit me yet and no I am not drunk but I read your post twice, lol. Hope you had a good time tonight!! You are good for me as I actually got out of the house for once that didn't have anything to do with work. Next...........Salsa. That will help your craving for smoking, it's a really fast dance. Let's make our quit date soon!
Denise, I am glad you shared!!! We need to post all those things, get it out there and feel the support around you. You have a lot on your plate so I would count all the days you got in and look forward to the days you will be getting in. I remember in NA we would talk about things we have smoked over and soon that will be just a old habit. It's tough not having any aid so you will need to find things that makes you forget about smoking. It can be a really good movie, the ones that really grab you. Meditation is awesome, and it takes time to accomplish peace with meditation, empty your mind and program thoughts on who you want to be but it works. Write a poem on what you are going through, write down your goals or what you would like to do. Call old friends and reach out to make new friends. Make your home cozy and peaceful, eat yummy fruit deserts. My favorite was the 94% Jolly butter fat free popcorn. Play games, find things that keeps you distracted. Or give me a call. Ohhh....and sleep a lot, or go to bed early. Sending you gentle hugs.
Fifish, that is excellent news! I am asking if my insurance will cover something like that. I am so happy for you!!! Your fears should be posted as we all smoke over fears, anger, lonelyness, etc. Whether we smoked on our fears or made it through without smoking should be posted. That way we can give extra support when needed or even a good job getting through it because that is huge and encouraging to all. Congrats and hang in there and try again is a tool used in the support groups of AA and NA, etc.
Awesome Malleme for your support. I am glad you posted that. That is amazing to hear that, I never knew either and I think that is knowledge for everyone to consider. I hope you and your family are okay. Glad you are posting again! Your posts counts!!
O2Bhealthy, I wouldn't like rads either, sorry you are going through all that. I would get more opinions on that as it seems every Dr is different. I hate that fact rads are in your body for the rest of your life, it doesn't seem right to me. I would try to stay away from it to!
Cleo, thanks for those awesome tips. I wish we could keep some of our old quit smoking posts current! And since some of us have been trying to quit for awhile, we tend to not post those things again but it is necessary for the newbie's and those trying to quit as it helps keeps us focused. Thank you so much old timer, meaning all the years you have in, not your age. Maybe we can think of a cool name for those who have time in.Nadine, I think you have posted a very important subject and I am glad you have brought it out to the open. I know Sue 61 was very angry and she actually started us thinking about our thread which is good. I think we have gone away from our origins too, and I believe we should feel comfortable to express our opinions and respect each other opinions because none of us know everything. Listening to others opinion helps everyone to grow and have more options in thoughts. But I do believe we should try to be nice about it if we can, but also forgive those when we are not nice about it because we are all going through trauma and dealing with things the best that we can. But what so I know, sometimes hard loves works and other times soft love, bit I do know that people need both. Congrats on your days, how many do you have?
REKoz, I have often thought about what a tight group we have become, and it may deter newbie's. And also understanding why you would not post if you are not trying to quit. But I do think a posting helps as it may help you to keep your focus and one day maybe even quit. But not being a part of any quit smoking community may be even worse, as it is easy to continue with life and forget about trying. The AA and NA meetings is about that. I have never been to a meeting that rejects those who are having a hard time or those who want to quit. I have seen them come down on some with hard love to help get them motivated. I have seen all kinds of arguments though about who should be allowed in, etc, but never seen anyone rejected. In NA, they would tell the newbie's to keep coming back because once you start going, the group will mess with your high, whatever form, and you may feel bad after a while and that helps you to quit too.
Sorry this is a long post, have a lot going on here. Let us express our feelings freely and make this thread that includes all. My opinion is that all should post, even there everyday stuff as we smoke over life, but remember that it is a quit smoking thread and don't forget to address that too. Every quit group may have a format such as congrats on someone days, then pick a subject such as fear, etc. Maybe that is what we need to do too. And maybe we could give jobs to members as commitment helps and responsibilities. Such as we could have a member keep track of quit days and be the leader of the daily posts. Anyway, more food for thought, let's organize this thread to help everyone. I will be caught up with work soon and will be working on our member site to help organize our favorite tips, quit days, etc.
Love you all, you are all special and I love all my sisters. Through love and faith, we can do sooo much.
Janet
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